Transforming lives impacted by domestic violence.
FALL 2016
Reducing Domestic Violence
Homicide in Milwaukee
Adapted in part from End Abuse Wisconsin’s Coalition Chronicles 1
As we mark the fourth
anniversary of the Azana
Spa tragedy (a mass
shooting at a Brookfield
spa perpetrated by the
husband of one of the
employees), Sojourner
remains committed to
transforming lives impacted
by family violence. An
important element of
our work is partnering
with other agencies in an
effort to reduce domestic
violence homicide. With our
combined expertise in the
fields of family violence,
law enforcement, mental
health, child safety, and
criminal justice, Sojourner
and our partners are
making great strides in
addressing domestic
violence before it leads to
homicide.
According to the Milwaukee
Homicide Review
Commission, mid-2016
data shows that intimate
partner homicides are up
100% (from four to eight)
Carmen Pitre, Sojourner President and CEO and Captain Aimee Obregon, Milwaukee Police Department
in Milwaukee compared
to 2015. In this same
timeframe, intimate partner
shootings increased 700%
(from one to eight).2 All
of the couples impacted
by these homicides and
shootings had a history
of domestic violence,
either in a current or
past relationship. Also,
it is important to note
that this data doesn’t
include domestic violence
homicides or shootings
involving family members
such as children or
bystanders. While the
numbers are still in the
single digits, the loss of a
single life is unacceptable.
We recognize that we may
never be able to prevent
every homicide, though
we can take steps to
identify potential homicide
situations. This collection
of short articles outlines
the work Sojourner and
our partners are doing
to address this very
tragic community issue.
Together, we can attempt
to intervene, to stop
something that seems
inevitable before another
life is lost and a family
suffers.
1
http://www.endabusewi.org/sites/default/files/resources/chronicles-33-3_2.pdf
2
http://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/cityHRC/reports/2016Mid-Year.FINAL.pdf
Who was Sojourner Truth?
Our crisis housing facility for women and children, Sojourner Truth House, is a tribute to “Belle,” a woman born
into slavery in 1797. In 1843 she walked onto the pages of history when she became Sojourner – God’s pilgrim.
A second name – Truth – came to her “in a voice as true as God’s is.” Sojourner Truth traveled widely, speaking
about slavery and women’s rights and the dignity of all people.
The Milwaukee Homicide
Review Commission
Many states and localities have
developed a homicide review team to
identify missed opportunities that may
have been available to save a life prior
to a homicide. The City of Milwaukee
Homicide Review Commission (MHRC)
examines every homicide and gives
special attention to domestic violencerelated homicides. Established in 2005,
the MHRC is a central component
of the City of Milwaukee’s violence
prevention efforts. Sojourner has been
actively involved with the MHRC since
it’s inception.
Drawing on public health and criminal
justice resources, it was designed
to gain a better understanding
of homicide through strategic
problem analysis. The team is also
tasked with developing innovative
and effective responses and
prevention strategies, and helping
to focus available prevention and
intervention resources.
After multiple homicide reviews,
the team identifies and analyzes
common themes or trends in
the cases, and provides strategic
recommendations for systems and
service providers that could help
reduce lethality risk in the future.
Through our work with the MHRC, we
are elevating the conversation among
all service providers (advocates,
health care professionals, law
enforcement, educators, and so
on) about what we can do better,
and how we can create and change
policies and procedures that reflect
our commitment to better address
lethality in our community.
During a review,
the Milwaukee
Homicide Review
Commission looks at:
• The timeline of events
leading up to the tragedy.
• Agencies and community
entities that were involved.
• The degree of coordination
and communication
among the agencies and
community entities.
• Anything that could have
been done differently to
improve the systemic and/
or community partnership
for the victim and/ or
perpetrator.
Milwaukee’s Lethality Assessment Program – the
Largest Grant-Funded Implementation in the Country!
In 2015, Milwaukee implemented a
Lethality Assessment Program (LAP)
initiative, an innovative strategy to
prevent domestic violence homicides
and serious injuries. It provides
an effective, objective method for
law enforcement and community
professionals to identify victims who
are at the highest risk of serious injury
or death by their intimate partners.
These high risk cases are immediately
connected to Sojourner for follow
up. The LAP intervention uses a
standardized assessment tool and a
referral protocol to help first responders
quickly identify and refer victims
according to their degree of risk.
Thanks to funding support from the
Wisconsin Department of Justice,
countywide implementation occurred
by June 2015 and continued through
January 2016. Because of Milwaukee
County’s leadership and assistance, LAP
expanded statewide in September 2016.
How Does the LAP Work?
The LAP is initiated when any
Milwaukee County police officer
arrives at a domestic violence call.
The officer asks the victim eleven
questions known as the Lethality
Screen for First Responders.
Questions on the screening tool
gather information about the
offender’s access to weapons, past
threats, any stalking behaviors, and
the victim’s assessment of his or her
personal safety.
If a victim’s responses indicate an
increased risk for homicide, the
officer phones the Sojourner 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline
to seek advice, and encourages
the victim to speak with a
Sojourner Advocate. Speaking
with an Advocate is always the
victim’s decision. By initiating
this connection, victims in these
high risk cases receive advice and
support within a few hours of their
emergency call, and are more likely
to follow through to enter shelter
or acquire further services from
Sojourner or another agency.
What Other Benefits Has
the LAP Created?
The LAP has improved partnerships
and collaboration among law
enforcement officers and other
community practitioners and
advocates. New guidelines were
created for Sojourner Hotline
Advocates who speak to victims and
special protocols have been developed
for health care providers. LAP best
practices now include follow-up
telephone calls, team officer-advocate
home visits with high risk victims to
provide support and encouragement
to use services, and screening of
victims in court in conjunction with
temporary protective order hearings.
Milwaukee County
Leads Homicide
Prevention Efforts
by Cudahy Police Chief Thomas D. Poellot and
Assistant Wisconsin Attorney General Peter M. Tempelis
Family violence homicide
directly impacts the
community at its
foundation. In addition
to an offender’s intimate
partner, victims often
include their children
Chief Thomas
Poellot
and bystanders within
the community. In recognition of
the toll that homicide and near-fatal
domestic violence takes on families
and the community, Milwaukee County
law enforcement, prosecutors, and
Sojourner Advocates implemented the
Lethality Assessment Program (LAP),
which became the largest grant-funded
implementation in the country.
The effort began in December
2012 after discussion about the
effectiveness of the Chronic Offender
Outreach Program, a successful
2010 pilot partnership between the
Milwaukee Police Department and
the District Attorney’s Office. The
initiative provided elevated service,
including advocacy, to those in high
risk relationships, and improved
What is the basis for the LAP?
1. Studies have shown that the support services of domestic violence
programs can save lives and reduce re-assaults, yet programs continue to
be under-utilized. There is a 60% reduction in risk of severe assault when
victims utilize domestic violence services. 1
2. Only 4% of abused victims had used a domestic violence hotline or
shelter within the year prior to being killed by an intimate partner. 2
3. In the year prior to the homicide, more than 44% of abusers were
arrested, and almost one-third of victims contacted the police. 3
1 Campbell, Jacquelyn and Jill Messing. Interview by Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, 2014
2 Sharps, P. W., et al. (2001). Health care providers’ missed opportunities for preventing femicide.
Preventive Medicine 33, 373-80
3 Ibid
accountability for offenders. The
countywide partners hoped to expand
that model with a research-based
approach. LAP provided the answer.
LAP is a two-step
process in which the
responding officer
performs a lethality
assessment screen to
determine whether a
victim is high risk, and
AGA Peter
then refers such victims
Tempelis
directly to a hotline for
advocacy service. The screen, which
was validated last year, identifies risk
factors for homicide. It is based on
Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell’s decades
of research of 4,000 attempted and
completed homicides in ten diverse
metropolitan jurisdictions.
A Beneficial Tool
by Michelle Coppens, Sojourner’s
Manager of Special Projects
I have worked in the
field of domestic
violence for 17 years,
and the last 12 of
those have been with
Michelle Coppens
Sojourner. I remember
distinctly the first client I ever lost
to homicide. The days following the
news of her death consumed me with
sadness, devastation, and wonder.
I asked myself over and over, what
I could have done differently? I am
an advocate, after all—I am trained
to respond to crisis and my job is to
help. In that moment, though, I felt
utterly helpless. The reality of the
work that I do, and the dangers faced
by my clients, became more evident
than ever before.
Sadly, in the years since her death,
other clients have been lost. Each and
every time, my feelings returned.
In 2013, I was part of a team from
Milwaukee sent to the Driving Change
Conference in Boston. There, we
learned of the Lethality Assessment
Program (LAP) and returned to
Wisconsin to begin the work of
making the LAP a reality for our own
community. In April 2015, every law
enforcement agency in Milwaukee
County began use of the LAP, making
us the largest jurisdiction in the United
States utilizing this tool, and the only
jurisdiction with 100% participation
from law enforcement. Finally, I felt
like I had found the tool and the ability
to respond to high-risk situations that
minimized the helplessness I would feel
For police officers, family violence
incidents can be the most dangerous
calls for services to which they respond.
In some cases, police return to the
same home multiple times, leaving
officers feeling frustrated and helpless.
The LAP provides law enforcement
with a standardized response to family
violence situations that are known
to be dangerous. By elevating their
understanding of risk in an intimate
relationship, officers can offer a higher
level of response and intervention.
responding to clients in extreme danger.
More importantly, it helped victims feel
validated when describing how afraid
they were and allowed responders to see
their situation through a different lens.
When I speak with a victim now, the
conversation is different. The LAP
has been a game changer for my
advocacy. I now know immediately
when a victim is facing life-threatening
abuse. This requires difficult and
complex conversations about the risk
of homicide, but it also opens up the
doorway to talk about danger in a
different way that is more effective.
Domestic abuse homicides are the
most predictable homicides that occur.
What is predictable can be prevented.
The LAP has given us one more tool
to use in our efforts to save lives. I am
confident this tool has helped me help
others understand the danger they
faced in their intimate relationship and
has helped them avoid becoming a
homicide statistic.
Simple. Powerful. Gratifying.
As the generosity of the season begins,
we ask for your partnership. Regardless
of how you celebrate, you can be the
beacon of light for others this season by
participating in the Sojourner Holiday
Giving Program.
Each year we work to secure
holiday gifts such as toys, gift cards,
housewares, and baby items for families
in need. We give these items to families
who seek Sojourner services and can’t
afford to purchase them on their own.
Sojourner Wish List on Amazon.com
It’s now easier than ever to support the Sojourner Gift Drive through our
wish list on Amazon.com. Simply enter our name—Sojourner Family Peace
Center—into the search bar at Amazon.com, select the items you would like
to donate, and add them to your cart. Once you have purchased the items,
Amazon will ship them directly to our facility! Our wish list includes our most
up-to-date needs from gifts to diapers to school supplies. Please include your
name and address in the notes sections so we can properly thank you.
Thank you for helping families transform their lives.
We have two options—our Adopt-aFamily program and Gift Drive. Both
are designed to capture the essence of
your holiday spirit. Whether you make
a personal donation or inspire a group
to participate, Sojourner families will
benefit from your generosity.
Please let us know how we can assist
you, your family, your workplace, or
your place of worship in contributing
the Sojourner Holiday Giving
to
Program. If you have questions or need
additional information, please contact
Lily Grant, Sojourner Volunteer and In-Kind Gifts Coordinator 414-810-1826
or [email protected].
Thank you for your generosity and your
commitment to transforming the lives
of the families we serve.
Sojourner staff and volunteers are
available to assist in your donation
drop-off at the following times.
Business Hours
November 28 – December 16, 2016
Monday – Friday, 9AM – 5PM
Additional Evening Hours
December 12 – 14, 2016 5 – 8 PM
Weekend Hours
December 10 and 17, 2016 Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Deliveries are accepted at
619 W. Walnut Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Please enter the parking lot gate on 7th Street by using the intercom to
request entry. Park near the door
marked “Education Center.” Sojourner
staff and volunteers will assist you.
Wish List
Sojourner Gift Drive
Families
Dish sets
Pots and pans
Utensils
Small appliances (microwave, toaster,
coffee pot, crockpot)
Gift cards for gas, Target, Kohl’s,
Walmart, Pick ‘n Save
Gift cards for activities (movies, bowling)
Books and gift cards to book stores
(Half Price Books, Barnes & Noble)
Women
Gift Cards: Boston Store, TJ Maxx,
spa services, nail salons, iTunes
Restaurant Gift Cards: Subway,
Cousins Subs, Applebee’s, Chipotle
Gift Sets: makeup, bath, cologne,
stationery sets
Sleepwear: bath robes (size M–3XL),
pajamas (size M-3XL) and non-skid
slippers (size M-XL)
Men
Body wash, shampoo, deodorant
Winter gloves, scarves, coats, hats
Gift cards for gas, Target. Walmart,
Pick ‘n Save, Kohl’s
Socks
Blue jeans for men
Cologne
Sports-themed apparel
Tween and Teen
Sports equipment: basketballs, footballs,
skateboards
Active wear
Sports-themed clothing
Gift Cards: iTunes, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Discovery, American Eagle, DSW, Old Navy, Burlington Coat Factory, Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Target, Walmart
Board games, puzzles, playing cards
Children
Learning Shop: toys or gift cards
Dolls: American Girl, Build-a-Bear,
Barbie–especially dolls of color
Model and craft kits
Art supplies: jewelry making kits,
painting sets
Play Sets: kitchen sets, doctor sets,
building sets, science kits, lego sets
Personal music devices and handheld
video games
Headphones and earbuds
Sleepwear
Infants and Toddlers
Toddler toys: busy boxes, push toys,
building blocks
Infant formula
Pull-ups, disposable diapers (Newborn, 1, 2, 3)
Baby wipes
Pacifiers and rattles
Bottles and sippy cups
Baby lotion and shampoo
Along with the families we serve, we are grateful for your gifts. Thank you!
2016
Celebrating
Thank You to Our Generous Sojourner Tailgate for Peace Sponsors
Sojourner Tailgate for Peace
Miller Park – Dew Deck
June 9, 2016
Thank you to Sojourner Tailgate for Peace
2016 sponsors, attendees, auction and raffle
donors, volunteers, and committee members.
Your participation allows us to provide
services to families who have been impacted
by domestic violence, so everyone can enjoy
clear skies ahead.
Special Thanks to Our Sojourner Tailgate for Peace Matching Gift Sponsor: Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP
Wish Us Luck in Heart of Canal Street
December 2016
Sojourner has once again been selected to be
part of the random drawing for funding from
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino’s community program,
Heart of Canal Street.
Bingo game played goes to the fund. It has raised
nearly $16 million for hundreds of area children’s
charities since 1994.
Share your heart by playing the Canal Street Bingo
game now through Dec. 15. Visit paysbig.com/heart
to learn more, and wish us luck on November 29!
2017
The Heart of Canal Street fund, which totaled more
than $1 million last year, is accumulated via Canal
Street Bingo—half of each $3 or $7 Canal Street
Looking ahead
We Are Doing it Again! Sojourner Safe & Healthy 24
Friday, March 24, 2017
We are so excited to announce Sojourner
Safe & Healthy 24 in 2017! Your engagement
and commitment to our mission in 2016
secured nearly $150,000 in only 24 HOURS
for our programs and services. You are truly
transformational—your support is invaluable! We
hope to count on your commitment again.
What is Sojourner Safe & Healthy 24?
Sojourner Safe & Healthy 24 is our 24-hour giving
event to support our programs and services.
Join Us for the Party!
Dave Luczak and the WKLH Morning Crew will
broadcast LIVE from the Family Peace Center for
the second year in a row from 5AM to 10AM to
kick off the event!
Ring the gong, sign your name to the donor board,
celebrate with us on social media! Continental
breakfast, drawings, and giveaways!
3
Ways to Donate
• In person at the Family Peace Center
619 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
• By phone at 414-810-1830 or 414-810-1826
• Online at www.familypeacecenter.org
All gifts made from 12:01 AM to 12:00 PM on March
24, 2017, will be matched. Your gift will go further!
See and Be Seen at the Sojourner Fashion Show!
May 2017
Milwaukee’s Premier Fashion Event
Community leaders, local celebrities, and top
business professionals will model summer’s
trendiest styles on the Sojourner Runway. Before
our highly anticipated runway show, you will enjoy
a cocktail reception, complimentary champagne,
passed hors d’oeuvres, exciting food stations,
networking, and energizing music by live DJs.
Sponsorship Opportunities Galore,
Additional Information
Maren McFarlane, Sojourner Events
and Public Relations Coordinator
[email protected] or
414-810-1825
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
619 W. Walnut Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
PAID
MILWAUKEE, WI
PERMIT NO. 5340
Visit us at www.familypeacecenter.org
Carmen Pitre
President & CEO
We need your help to
sustain our essential
programming.
Please make your gift
today. Your contribution
ensures that valuable
programming continues
through the end
of the year.
Please make checks
payable to:
Sojourner Foundation
619 W. Walnut Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Connect Online
Donate online at:
www.familypeacecenter.org
STAY CONNECTED WITH SOJOURNER FAMILY PEACE CENTER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Rebecca House
Harley-Davidson Inc.
Tamika Bowen
BMO Financial Group
Anne Brower
Northwestern Mutual
Betsy Brown Wyatt
Cramer Krasselt
Gerard Colman
Aurora Health Care
Laura Farnham
Johnson Controls, Inc.
Hulyn Farr
Community Volunteer
Thomas Gale
Equity Commercial Real Estate, LLC
VICE PRESIDENT
Kathy Donius
Rockwell Automation
SECRETARY
Beth Healy
Beth Healy
Consulting
Cecelia Gore
Brewers Community
Foundation
Holly Haseley
Laughlin Constable
Geoffrey Hurtado
UW-Milwaukee
Kent Lovern
Milw. County District Attorney’s Office
Thomas Poellot
Cudahy Police Department
Lynn Richtman US Bank
Gaurie Rodman Direct Supply
TREASURER
Jim Orth
Retired, Everett
Smith Group, Ltd
Cynthia Rooks
Retired, Harley-Davidson Inc.
Thelma Sias
We Energies
Barbara Velez
Velez & Associates
Benjamin Wagner
Habush Habush & Rottier S.C.
You
are not
alone.
If you are in
an abusive
relationship
and need
help, call the
Sojourner
24-Hour
Domestic
Violence
Hotline at
414-933-2722.
Asst. Chief Carianne Yerkes
Milw. Police Department
Download
our app –
available on
iPhone and
Android
phones.
Administration/
General Information
P: 414-276-1911
F: 414-276-1509
Sojourner 24-Hour
Domestic Violence Hotline
P: 414-933-2722
F: 414-934-6079
TTY
414-727-2342